The next day, at sunrise, the entire camp was awake.
After a period of bustle and noise, the caravan resumed its journey.
The cohort began their duties as guards. They were distributed to different positions in the caravan.
But the common factor was that their positions were far from Shu Yanran's cabin—this was clearly Zhou Yang's arrangement.
As the caravan moved through the dense forest, Zhang Yong felt a presence approaching him.
He turned to find Uncle Tai standing a few steps away, his sharp gaze studying Zhang Yong as if trying to pierce through his secrets.
"Young man Naoto, may I speak with you for a moment?" Uncle Tai said in his quiet voice that carried hidden authority behind it.
Zhang Yong nodded in agreement and moved a little away from the rest of the guards. The two walked to the side, away from the noise of the caravan.
"I hope you have rested sufficiently," Uncle Tai said as he patted Zhang Yong's shoulder.
Zhang Yong immediately bowed. "Of course. Thank you for your great kindness toward us."
However, Uncle Tai waved his hand. "No need to bow every time. But there is something that puzzles me."
Zhang Yong shook his head. "Of course. If I can, I will answer the elder's question."
Uncle Tai stroked his chin slightly before asking, "Please don't take this personally, but may I ask about your destination, and how you ended up in this situation? With your strength, I don't think many could harm you. I'm asking in case there is a beast, so we can take precautions."
Zhang Yong didn't believe a single word he said. He was most likely investigating them. Since he had saved them, of course they would suspect him, and Zhang Yong could bet that he had asked or would ask the others the same question. If the answer was the same, the suspicion would lessen a little, and only observation would remain.
Fortunately, Zhang Yong had agreed with the others on a specific story and a specific background. If there were no slips of the tongue, they would be fine.
"It's just that we are on a mission for our sect, but it is extremely secret. I'm afraid I cannot tell you," Zhang Yong answered smoothly. Attributing their origin to a sect was a sufficient justification for their high level, and keeping the mission secret was a way to ensure a suitable explanation, since Zhang Yong didn't know much about this continent. "As for how we ended up here... we were attacked by a group of treasure hunters who had been chasing us for days. We barely survived them, which is why we were in such an exhausted state when you rescued us."
Uncle Tai looked at Zhang Yong with sharp eyes, as if trying to discern the truth of his words. "Treasure hunters... that explains a lot," he said quietly, but his suspicions had not entirely disappeared.
Of course, this was a good excuse. Since if it had been a fight over a high-level treasure, then of course, even if their level was high, it would be impossible to resist a large group of people.
Zhang Yong kept a faint smile on his face, but his nerves were tense. He couldn't risk fleeing the caravan. In the worst case, he would have to isolate and kill this old man, but doing so shortly after joining would only be a headache.
"I understand the need for secrecy," Uncle Tai finally said, with a hint of understanding in his voice. "But allow me one more question, please. Your sect... what kind of sects is it?"
This was a dangerous question. Zhang Yong's knowledge of this continent's sects was very limited. Any name he fabricated might belong to a non-existent sect, or worse, to a hostile one.
"Our sect is isolated," Zhang Yong answered cautiously, avoiding giving a specific name. "We prefer not to reveal our identity. This was the sect leader's request. He preferred something called 'staying hidden until one becomes strong.'"
Uncle Tai didn't seem convinced, but he didn't press further. After all, some sects tended to remain hidden from sight.
Especially ancient sects. And if one stood behind this group, it would be an awkward situation if they mistreated them.
'I can't just let him question me. I must extract information from him with indirect questions. The less I reveal, the better,' Zhang Yong thought deeply.
He couldn't give a direct question, nor ask one of the guards, because he simply didn't have enough trust from the other party.
"Elder Tai, I wonder..." Zhang Yong began, pretending curiosity. "Where is this caravan headed, and where will it pass through?"
Uncle Tai smiled, seizing the opportunity to gather information as well. "We are headed to Tianshui City, one of the main cities in Yunlang Province. We will pass through several small villages and trading towns along the way."
"The city is about a month's travel away. If things go smoothly, we should arrive before the rainy season begins."
"Thank you for this information, Elder Tai," Zhang Yong said politely. "We will do our best to be trustworthy guards during the journey."
Uncle Tai smiled, but his eyes remained sharp. "I'm sure of that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other duties to attend to."
After Uncle Tai left, Zhang Yong returned to his post, his mind working quickly. 'Well, this is going to be a somewhat difficult time.'
The caravan settled into its march through the dense forest, while Zhang Yong and his companions performed their guard duties cautiously.
Meanwhile, inside the luxurious cabin in the middle of the caravan, Zhou Yang and Uncle Tai sat with Shu Yanran and her personal maid, Xiao Qiyu.
"My lady, I think we should be cautious of that new group," Zhou Yang said in his quiet voice, carrying a tone of deliberate concern.
Shu Yanran raised her eyes from the book she was reading. "Why do you say that? They have behaved politely since joining."
"They have behaved politely, that's true," Zhou Yang said quietly. "But don't you find it strange that four cultivators of their level suddenly appear in the middle of the forest, in an exhausted state?"
Uncle Tai stared at Zhou Yang, his gaze sharp. 'This man... he's looking for any opportunity to get rid of them. I don't trust him at all. He might be a worse choice compared to that group.'
Uncle Tai suddenly spoke. "Yes, this might seem suspicious. But I asked them all the same question, and all their answers were the same. I would say the others have the eyes of honest, kind people. But the problem was only with the one called Naoto."
Uncle Tai continued, his eyebrows knitting in deep thought. "When I spoke with him, his answers were very smooth... prepared in advance. He makes me feel like he's hiding something bigger."
Shu Yanran shook her head gently, her honey-colored eyes appearing sympathetic. "Couldn't they truly be in trouble and need our help? Perhaps they are just cautious, just like us. We shouldn't always judge people with bad intentions."
Zhou Yang let out a slight sigh, trying to show concern. "My lady, your kindness is a virtuous trait. But in this world, unfortunately, there are those who exploit that kindness. This Naoto... there's something in his eyes... something cold and sharp. It's not the look of an ordinary person."
The maid Xiao Qiyu, who had been silent until now, whispered in a faint voice, "My lady, perhaps Sir Zhou Yang is right. Do you remember what happened in Pyongyang City last year? A group of travelers joined a caravan and then robbed it from within."
"But these people... they don't look like thieves," Shu Yanran insisted. "Uncle Tai, didn't you say you observed them during the day while they were performing their duties? How was their performance?"
Uncle Tai nodded slowly, his sharp eyes still carrying some caution. "In truth, their performance was excellent. Naoto has unusually sharp vision—he detected several threats before the other guards noticed. His reactions are also quick and decisive."
Zhou Yang said, "And that's exactly what worries me! A person with such skills, how could he find himself in such a miserable predicament? It doesn't add up."
"But that's not all," Uncle Tai said as his gaze narrowed. "At first, there was something strange. But after I focused, I couldn't hear his heartbeat to know if he was lying or not. His heart seemed stopped, and there seemed to be difficulty in breathing, and this was due to lung damage. Injuries like these cannot be faked."
Shu Yanran thought for a moment before saying, "If he has lung damage, then that means he was at least honest about them being attacked. Perhaps they truly need help."
Zhou Yang shook his head, trying to persuade her. "My lady, even if they are honest about being attacked, that doesn't mean their intentions are good. They could be fugitives from justice, or perhaps traitors from their sect."
Uncle Tai added, "The more concerning thing is that this Naoto seems to be the true leader of the group, despite being the youngest or the lowest level . This kind of natural leadership only comes from a strong background or intensive training."
Shu Yanran nodded slowly, her honey-colored eyes appearing more serious now. "I understand all your concerns. But I still believe it's unfair to judge them without conclusive evidence. Let us observe them closely, but without showing our distrust. If they display any suspicious behavior, we will take the necessary measures."
Zhou Yang realized this was the best he could get from her agreement. "Alright. I will have some trusted men watch them closely."
Uncle Tai agreed. "I will personally observe Naoto. I want to know more about his techniques and background."
And so, five days passed smoothly.
As the caravan advanced through the forest, Zhang Yong was fully aware of the surveillance he and his companions were under.
He could feel Uncle Tai's sharp glances on him from time to time, and he knew that Zhou Yang had placed trusted guards to watch their every move.
In the evening, as the caravan camped in an open area, Zhou Yang approached Zhang Yong carrying a bowl of hot food.
"You performed well today," Zhou Yang said with a friendly smile, but his eyes were watching Zhang Yong closely. "I think we were lucky to have you join us."
"Thank you for your hospitality," Zhang Yong replied politely, accepting the bowl with both hands. "We are only doing our duty."
Zhou Yang sat beside him, pretending a desire to chat. "At first, I must apologize for what I did when we first met. Please don't take it to heart."
Zhang Yong smiled at him. "No need for that. I understand. It's difficult to earn trust with someone you don't know."
"Especially in a dangerous world like this," Zhou Yang continued, with a hint of agreement in his voice. Then he leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "Speaking of which, I noticed your fighting style is very unique. It doesn't resemble any of the sects I've heard of in Yunlang Province. May I ask where you learned it?"
"Most of my techniques are my own creation," Zhang Yong answered cautiously. "I've always preferred adapting to circumstances rather than adhering to a fixed style."
"Your own creation?" Zhou Yang raised his eyebrows, expressing feigned admiration. "That's truly impressive. You look younger than me, yet you possess enough exceptional talent to develop your own style. I'm jealous of you."
Zhang Yong looked at the food in his hand, while deep inside he frowned. 'This bastard is trying to manipulate me. This worthless trash thinks I'm easy prey? You're lucky I don't plan to stay in the caravan for long.'
Zhang Yong raised his hand and wrapped it around his neck. "Don't be like that. Although I may be good, I'm not as good as you. I don't deserve this praise," Zhang Yong said with feigned humility. "In the end, all that matters is that we perform our duty well."
Zhou Yang smiled, but his eyes didn't smile. "Of course, of course."
Zhang Yong smiled broadly. "How about I share a little secret with you?"
Zhou Yang immediately became interested and leaned closer. "A secret?"
"Yes." Zhang Yong nodded as he leaned toward him. "Listen well. I...love drinking wine."
Zhou Yang didn't hide his disappointment for a moment, but he quickly restored his fake smile. "Ah, so we have a common interest! We must drink together in the future."
"Certainly," Zhang Yong agreed coldly, knowing this was just another part of Zhou Yang's attempts to gather information.
After Zhou Yang left, knowing no one was around, his smile completely disappeared as he stared at the blue window before him.
(Mo Fuzhou: First layer of the Ancestor stage. His tribe was destroyed, and he was saved by the Lord of the Deep Sky and was assigned a mission to lure the young lady Zhang Xiushan. Currently, he has plans to exploit the host.)
Zhang Yong stared at the blue window, his red eyes gleaming with cold light. The information provided by the system was horrifying. This Zhou Yang wasn't just a cautious person; he was an agent tasked with a dangerous mission.
"Lord of the Deep Sky..." Zhang Yong whispered. He recognized this name. And it seemed, from the context of what was happening, that this Lord was the ultimate leader of this continent or something similar.
Not only did he control the Miu tribe, but he was also pursuing a member of the Zhang family.
Then Zhang Yong reviewed the words before his eyes widened. Zhang?!
He couldn't hide his shock at all. Zhou Yang wasn't his real name, and he was after the young lady Zhang Xiushan?!
Until now, it had appeared from this man's behavior that the person he was interested in was Lady Shu Yanran. This meant one thing: this name was forged!
'The Zhang family... I connected with them earlier than expected. But this way, it might also be good luck. This girl might be my ticket to ensure my head isn't cut off.'